HALIFAX – Relatives of a Second World War airman were expected to gather today for a poignant ceremony near the remote site in Cape Breton where he tragically died in a crash 80 years ago. The event is dedicated to commemorating Pilot Officer William Arthur James Bennet, a 21-year-old from Montreal who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
On August 6, 1944, Bennet was piloting a training aircraft, specifically a twin-engined Avro Anson V, with three other airmen on board. During their flight, the aircraft encountered thick fog near Cap Rouge, Nova Scotia, which led to a fatal crash into Jerome Mountain, located northeast of Cheticamp, Nova Scotia. While the other passengers survived the incident, Bennet sustained fatal injuries.
The efforts to rescue the injured crew were initiated immediately; however, it wasn’t until two days later that a search team was able to recover Bennet's body from the rugged, wooded terrain of the mountain. Following the tragic accident, an RCAF inquiry was conducted to understand the circumstances that led to the crash. The inquiry found that the aircraft had strayed well south of its intended flight path over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, though the exact cause of the navigation error remained unclear.
The public ceremony, set to take place at the Mkwesaqtuk-Cap-Rouge Campground, has been organized by Les Amis du Plein Air, a local non-profit group comprised of outdoor enthusiasts collaborating with Parks Canada. Their initiative to unveil two commemorative panels is meant to honor Pilot Officer Bennet and the legacy of his service during the war.
Additionally, relatives of some of the surviving crew members from the crash were anticipated to attend the event, emphasizing the lasting impact of this historical event on families and communities connected to the airmen involved. The ceremony not only serves as a tribute to Bennet but also highlights the courage displayed by all individuals serving during wartime.
This memorial event marks an essential moment in recognizing and honoring the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces, particularly those who lost their lives in service. The legacy of Pilot Officer William Arthur James Bennet continues to resonate, reminding present and future generations of the price of freedom and the importance of remembrance.
